INTRODUCTION
The Elephant Festival is a unique event of the elephants organized on the day of Holi in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. As the name suggests, the elephants are the center of attraction in the elephant Festival. A number of elephants, groomed in vibrant colored attire of embroidered velvets and glittering gold ornaments, parade before an entranced audience. The elephants participate in number of events like races, polo matches, tug-of-war, elephant fights and festival of Holi. In olden days, huge male elephants were used exclusively for the Maharajas, especially in royal processions. During the festival, Jaipur comes alive with elephants, dancers, musicians and draws visitors from all over the world.

THE LEGEND BEHIND THE CELEBRATIONS
Elephants have always been associated with the Rajas as a symbol of power and status. A beautifully decorated elephant carrying the raja in the war field, processions or festivals was a common sight in the earlier era. The Elephant Festival is an attempt on the part of RTDC to introduce the people of India and abroad to the royalty of the Rajputs. The Rajputs, who held control over Rajasthan for a long period of time, have become synonyms for courage, sacrifice and grandeur. Infact, the moment you think of Rajasthan, you are reminded of the way the Rajputs conducted themselves, with great self respect and royal elegance. The royal aura of the Rajput never seems to fade away and the Elephant Festival is meant to represent that royalty in a much grander way.

The history of the brilliant Elephant festival in Jaipur may be traced to the Buddhist Jataka stories that mention an ancient Elephant festival known as Hastimangala. Most of the elephants that take part in the Elephant festival in Jaipur are females and are decorated with utmost care and precision by their respective mahouts.

DESCRIPTION
The elephants stride majestically parading their decorated trunks and tusks. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels, and horses, lovingly painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets, followed by lively folk dancers at their entertaining best. The elephants greet the visitors, offer garlands to the guests and walk past the ramp before a jury of experts and tourists to select the best amongst them for the ‘Best decorated Elephant’ Shield. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses to the famous Chaugan ground in Jaipur. Various elephant sports such as elephant races, elephant-polo matches and an interesting elephants vs. men tug of war contest are organized on this festive occasion that add more color to already colorful and festive atmosphere. The occasion provides the ideal opportunity to see elephants at their best. Various folk dances and music programs are also organized for the overall entertainment of the people. The event finally reaches to its conclusion with a brilliant firework display.
Then there is the unique ‘Gaj Shringar’ exhibition displaying everything connected with the elephant-ornaments, textiles (Jhoo), howdahs and carriages, paintings, medicines and food.

TIME TO CELEBRATE
The Elephant Festival is celebrated a day after Holi in the month of March -April in the city of Jaipur.